The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is usually a hard, painless lump in one of your breasts. However, in around 1 in 20 cases, the lump can be painful.
The lump is usually located underneath the nipple and areola (the circle of dark coloured skin that surrounds the nipple).
Less common symptoms of male breast cancer usually affect the nipple. These can include:
- the nipple begins to turn in on itself (nipple retraction)
- the nipple becomes hard, inflamed, and ‘sore looking’ (nipple ulceration)
- fluid leaking from the nipple (nipple discharge)
Additional symptoms usually only develop if the cancer spreads from your breast to other parts of the body, such as your bones, liver or lungs. This is known as metastatic breast cancer.
Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer include:
- bone pain
- swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) near your breast; usually in, or around, the armpit
- shortness of breath
- feeling unusually tired all the time
- feeling sick (nausea)
- itchy skin
When to seek medical advice
You should always visit your GP if you notice a lump in your breast or if you have symptoms that affect your nipples, such as retraction, ulceration or discharge. While symptoms such as these are unlikely to be of the result of breast cancer, it is important that they are investigated further.
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Symptoms of breast cancer in men
